Writing for Porch, a company that makes moving, insurance, and improving your home, simple, Adriana Lopez tells us how to get our home office into tip top shape.
Recently, the concept of working from home has become more prevalent, and it’s no longer just a temporary situation for many people and has become a permanent arrangement for workers around the globe. It doesn’t appear this trend will change, either. In fact, a recent survey from Promoleaf found that 18% of Gen Z workers believe a flexible schedule consisting of remote and in-person work increases productivity.
Ergonomic office setup tips
You’re likely working at a computer or sitting at a desk all day, so it’s crucial to ensure that you’re getting the support you need to prevent pain and injury.
- A proper desk: Make sure that your desk is at the right height for your chair and your position while seated.
- The right chair: Your desk chair is one of the most essential items in the office. Be sure to choose a chair that will support your posture and keep your neck, back, and shoulders aligned.
- Raise your monitor or laptop: Looking down for hours at a time can cause severe strain on your neck and shoulders.
- Invest in some office exercise equipment: If you’re able, consider purchasing a stationary bike or a treadmill that can securely hold your laptop.
Making sure that you have the right technology will set you up for success. Here are some suggestions to ensure you have everything you need for the home office.
- A bigger or external monitor: A large computer monitor makes it easier to see as you type or do your daily tasks.
- Speakers and headphones: Listening to music during the day can boost your productivity and cancel outside noise while you’re in meetings.
- Chargers: Make sure that you have the correct chargers for your laptop, smartphone, PC, and all of your other work-related devices so you can stay connected all day.
To stay focused and productive, you need proper lighting in your home office. Try a few different lighting options, including task lighting like floor or table lamps to augment overhead lights. Avoid placing your desk directly behind a window.
A cluttered, disorganized office can cause stress and reduce focus. Keep these tips in mind to help you stay organized and productive.
- Go minimalist: Consider adopting a minimalist style in your office.
- Create a file system: Important work documents should be filed away in the proper order.
- Make space: Declutter your office and be sure you have plenty of space to move around.
Your office decor is everything
The right office décor will boost your mood and make the space feel personal to you, remember that the goal is to create a functional remote workspace for you, so try these tips to put your own stamp on it.
- Select the right colors: Color affects our mood and can impact productivity.
- Curtains or blinds: Make sure you have the right window coverings to prevent glare and give you privacy.
- Plants: Beautiful plants add greenery and freshness to an office.
Kids? Pets? Give them their own small space
If you have kids or pets, be sure to give them a little spot in your office, too. The most important thing is to keep your family or personal time separate from your office schedule.
Improve productivity – What to avoid
We have seen and read and learned and probably reviewed how to improve productivity, and it should work along with different and useful techniques, and online tools. There is no doubt about it, but, the first thing we need to program is and will be…our brain!
- When possible, avoid putting your desk in your bedroom. This can make it difficult to separate life from work and interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep.
- Don’t work in your pajamas. Instead, get dressed as you normally would or at least put on regular clothing after you shower.
- Try not to eat your breakfast and lunch at your desk. Taking breaks in another room or outside will help reset your mind and give you a mental break between tasks.
- Do not forget to set up a routine when working from home. Find your own pace, whether it’s checking your email or tackling big projects first.
Speaking about the needs to take over consideration, when we talk about Home Office, certain disadvantages may turn into great opportunities to make them advantages.
- Location/Space: Make sure that you place your office in a neutral spot.
- Motivation: Keyword! Although people that have been asked about this have answered: because I need to work; then, if it is what moves you, do it!
- Security: Home Office requires to be prepared. Wifi, the internet, cable company, phones, or cell phones, are things to watch carefully when you start working from home.
When you work from home, it’s your chance to design an office that’s all yours, (If possible you can also create a backyard office!) so be sure to make it unique to you. Keep these tips in mind when choosing the right furniture and technology, but most importantly, do whatever works best for you, and create the perfect home office that best suits you. Eventually, you’ll establish a nice daily routine and enjoy working in an office that is special and motivating to help you accomplish any task.
Read the full article here.
Adriana is a member of the Porch Content Marketing department and loves sharing tips and advice to make every DIY project as easy and fun as possible. She is passionate about all things SEM, the outdoors, and photography. Other hobbies are running and reading.
Other articles by Get Organized